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How to Get Your Doctor to Translate the Medical-Speak

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As a communications specialist in a hospital marketing & PR dept. and a radiologic technologist with over 14 years in direct patient care, I could relate to the article well. I will soon start teaching a class for hospital staff titled "Communicating Clearly with Patients."
In the class, I will use real-life examples of poor communication between healthcare providers/staff and patients, and offer better ways of communicating through role-plays. Effective communication with patients is a vital part of delivering outstanding healthcare!

Sarah Smiles of IL 2:56PM February 03, 2010

This is a very important topic and merits more attention.
In an ideal situation, a doctor should be educating his/her patients about personal health. Sadly, few physicians take the time to provide proper information, leaving people with some clues, but none the less in the dark searching blindly for information on the internet. Worse than being incomplete with information to patients, is that it's not uncommon for doctors to lack the time required to get a total picture of a patient, missing relevant knowledge needed for proper care. In my personal experience, I have had to pull teeth to get doctors to talk to me, and even then my questions are answered with little substance.
I began reading Ofri's new book last week and am very impressed with the quality of care she provides. After watching/reading this piece and seeing her answer questions in a thoughtful and clear manner, I am motivated to really get into the book and complete it. I hope Ofri's book sheds new light on the need for good communication between doctors and patients and that additional physicians will take this matter more to heart.
More of these discussions will help improve the way business is done in health care.

Dvorah Prince of FL 11:34AM February 01, 2010